All Jacked Up

She did it!

Posted by: Jason Randall

Sunday, April 20, 2008 6:14 AM

Yeah, you can say it was about time. Yeah, you can say she has the Andretti Green equipment, but the fact of the matter is Danica Patrick is the first woman to win an Indy Car race, and I couldn't be more happy.

It came down to fuel mileage at the 1.5-mile Twin Ring Motegi oval in Motegi, Japan, and Patrick was the one who took the checkered flag.

I have to say that I truly am happy for Patrick. The Roscoe native deserved the win after so much media coverage, so much hype, so much pressure.

Let's be honest, she is participating in a sport where some people still believe women should be barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen. For Patrick to break through early Sunday morning in Japan ... well, to me, it's a major step in racing.

I really have never had a doubt that Patrick had the talent. With all the top-five finishes she's had, you had to know a win was coming. She finally did it, and yes, it is good for racing.

We're about to see a CRAZY buildup to the Indy 500 since she won. Fine by me. That makes that race fun again. Let's be honest, the Indianapolis 500 has been sort of good lately, but I would rather watch the Coca-Cola 600 that night.

Sam Hornish's win over Marco Andretti two years ago was an amazing finish, but seriously, the Indy 500 doesn't mean as much to me as it once did. Don't get me wrong, I watch it. I need to know who is running well and who wins, but this upcoming "regular season" Talladega win is as important to me ... and I'd speculate that it is the same way to modern American racing fans.

However, Patrick's win tonight is wonderful, and I am so happy she broke through. It's a shame her first win wasn't in the States, but I have a feeling this won't be her only trip to Victory Lane this season.

Until next time, keep hittin' your marks!

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